The federal court system primarily decides which criminal cases to take based on specific criteria and mechanisms. Here's a brief overview of the options you've presented:
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They take cases that have already seen state courts. - This is generally true for cases that may have been appealed from state courts, especially if there are constitutional questions involved. However, not all cases that have seen state courts automatically transfer to federal courts.
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A grand jury decides if each case has merit. - This is not accurate in the sense that a grand jury does not decide whether a case will be taken by the federal court system. A grand jury is convened to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to indict someone and bring them to trial, rather than to decide on jurisdiction.
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They take cases that are being appealed. - This is partially correct, specifically regarding appellate courts within the federal system. The federal courts often handle appeals from lower federal courts and, in some cases, from state court decisions if they involve federal issues.
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A Supreme Court justice decides which cases should be addressed. - This statement applies specifically to the U.S. Supreme Court, which has discretion over which cases it hears. Typically, the Court will grant certiorari (agree to hear a case) based on factors like the significance of the legal questions presented, conflicts in lower court decisions, or important issues affecting national interest.
In summary, among the options given, the most relevant point would be that they take cases that are being appealed, particularly within the appellate jurisdiction of the federal courts, and for the Supreme Court, it involves justices deciding on granting certiorari for significant cases.
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